SURIGAO CITY (MindaNews/10 November) – Fire gutted the upper floor of the 27-year old church building of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines in this city on Tuesday morning.
The church is located along Narcisco corner Sarvida Streets.
Fire Officer 3 Reil Politcher, fire investigator of the Bureau of Fire Protection-Surigao City told MindaNews that the fire started around 9 a.m. and their fire trucks arrived after 20 minutes.
Politcher said they were still investigating the cause of the fire.
Pastor Diosdado Casera, administrative minister of UCCP-Surigao Central said the fire started at the control room and was possibly caused by a short circuit.
He said at least 6 million pesos in properties including musical instruments were damaged.
Casera said church goers could attend Sunday’s worship service at the ground floor.
Afraid that the fire would spread, Merly Cedro, a teacher at the Surigao City Elementary School dashed to her house nearby to get her belongings.
“I immediately went to my house and took everything I can,” she said adding she left her pupils at the school.
“Good thing the fire was put out by firefighters otherwise I could have lost my things which have sentimental value,” she said.
No one was reported injured during the incident.
The fire caused a massive traffic at the downtown area. (Roel N. Catoto/MindaNews)